World Affairs
Year : 2008, Volume : 12, Issue : 1
First page : ( 122) Last page : ( 151)
Print ISSN : 0971-8052.

Burma's geopolitical revival: A post-realist view of the saffron rising

Thornton William H

Abstract

If Burma (Myanmar) is China's bridge into South Asia, it is also ASEAN's and the China factor makes this “passage to India” all the more imperative. ASEAN had more than commercial motives for admitting Myanmar as a member in July 1997. Its primary motive was geopolitical and power politics is likewise the main reason for ASEAN's present support of the Burmese junta. Like India, most ASEAN nations are defining themselves by their closure towards Burma's democratic movement, which they think must be sacrificed in the name of geopolitical realism. This study argues that these countries are making a grave mistake. The Saffron rising of Fall 2007 requires a post-realist response that is all the more potent geopolitically because it is morally clear.

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